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June welcomes the start of summer —
a season of bright opportunities, growth, and new achievements.
Here’s what we’ve been working on this month:
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| 2026 Super Lawyers Honorees | | |
We are proud to share that 12 Hoover Krepelka, LLP attorneys have been selected to the 2026 Northern California Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.
We extend our sincere thanks to Super Lawyers for this recognition and are especially grateful to our colleagues and peers in the legal community for their nominations and continued support. We are honored to see half of our team recognized among Northern California's outstanding family law attorneys.
Super Lawyers:
James Hoover – Partner, CFLS
Travis I. Krepelka – Partner, CFLS
Julia McDowell – Partner, CFLS
Christine Pham – Partner, CFLS
Patricia Zerbini – Partner, CFLS
Constance Carpenter – Of Counsel
Rising Stars:
Jaymi Salisbury – Senior Associate
Wenjia Ma – Senior Associate
Katherine Moinpour – Senior Associate
Joy Antonette Diaz – Senior Associate
Stephanie Huang – Senior Associate
Congratulations to all of our attorneys on this well-deserved achievement. We are proud of your dedication to excellence and commitment to serving our clients and community.
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Silicon Valley Business Journals'
2026 40 Under 40 Honoree, Joy Antonette B. Diaz
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We are proud to congratulate Joy Antonette Diaz, Senior Associate Attorney at Hoover Krepelka, LLP, on being recognized as a 2026 Silicon Valley 40 Under 40 Honoree by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.
This well-deserved recognition highlights Joy's dedication to her clients, exceptional legal advocacy, and meaningful contributions to the legal community. Since joining HK, Joy has built a reputation for her thoughtful counsel and tireless commitment to helping clients navigate complex family law matters. Her practice focuses on divorce, child custody, support, domestic violence restraining orders, parentage actions, and other family law issues.
Joy's accomplishments extend beyond her practice. She graduated cum laude from Chapman University Fowler School of Law in the top 10 of her class, earned multiple CALI Awards, served as a Senior Editor of Law Review, and has been recognized as a Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Star for multiple consecutive years.
Please join us in celebrating Joy on this outstanding achievement. We are honored to have her on our team and look forward to her continued success.
Congratulations, Joy!
Learn more about the 2026 Silicon Valley 40 Under 40 honorees
| | Rojiar Zarrinsaray, Law Clerk | | |
Rojiar Zarrinsaray recently completed her 2L year at the University of San Francisco School of Law, where she serves as a Senior Staffer on the USF Law Review and was a TA for both Torts and Criminal Procedure. She also served as Co-President of the Middle Eastern & Northern African Law Student Association and will continue her leadership involvement as Graduate Chair this upcoming fall.
Prior to law school, Rojiar worked in family law for three years and most recently gained valuable experience as a Law Clerk with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office. She earned her B.A. from The University of British Columbia in Political Science with a concentration in Creative Writing.
A Bay Area native born and raised in San Jose, Rojiar enjoys traveling, exploring San Francisco, and searching for the city’s best ice cream spots.
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Seline Ting is a rising 3L at University of California, College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings), where she is pursuing her J.D. with the goal of becoming a family law attorney. She earned her bachelor's degree in Political Science and Public Policy from University of California, Berkeley and has already gained valuable experience advocating for individuals navigating complex legal challenges.
Last summer, Seline worked with the San Francisco Sheriff's Office, supporting the Prisoner Legal Services Unit within the city's jail system. There, she educated and advocated for individuals navigating some of the most difficult chapters of their lives, deepening her commitment to helping clients navigate systemic and structural civil rights violations. During her 2L year, she also competed on UC Law SF's Moot Court team, where she was assigned to a family law competition, further strengthening her interest in the field.
Outside of law school, Seline is an avid reader and artist, a devoted parent to two silly cats, and enjoys long walks by the water, sweet treats, scouring Wikipedia pages, watching Avatar: The Last Airbender, and playing first-person hero shooters.
| Yasmina Vafaie, Law Clerk | | |
Yasmina Vafaie is currently a 1L at Santa Clara University School of Law, where she has expressed interest in Family Law, Intellectual Property, and Corporate Law. She is also part of the Tech Edge JD Program, where she is developing skills at the intersection of law, technology, business, and entrepreneurship.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, cum laude, from Clark University, completing her degree in three years. During her studies, she developed strong skills in statistics, mathematical modeling, and analytical problem-solving using R and Excel, served as a teaching assistant for advanced courses including Honors Calculus I and II and Real Analysis, and managed social media for the university’s Mathematics Department.
This semester, Yasmina volunteered with the BEACH Clinic, where she worked with interdisciplinary teams supporting startups and small businesses on legal and regulatory matters, conducted legal research and issue spotting in areas such as business formation, contracts, and compliance, and presented her findings to supervising attorneys and clients in a fast-paced, client-facing environment.
She is also actively involved in Women in Law and the Middle Eastern North African Student Association, reflecting her commitment to professional development and community engagement.
Outside of her academic and legal work, Yasmina brings a vibrant set of interests and experiences. Born and raised in Maui, Hawaii, she enjoys spending time at the beach and swimming, baking—most recently experimenting with cinnamon braided brioche buns—and spending time outdoors and traveling, including solo-hiking across Spain in 2025.
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Scott Hanson is currently pursuing his J.D. at Santa Clara University School of Law, where he serves as Vice President of the Dispute Resolution Student Organization and is also on the boards of both the Criminal Law Society and SCU Eats. Last summer, he worked as a Law Clerk with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office in the White Collar Crime Division, assisting on matters involving white collar crime, real estate fraud, and elder abuse.
Before law school, Scott was a high school special education teacher in Los Angeles County, where he also coached wrestling and volleyball. In addition to his legal experience, Scott holds a Master’s degree in Sports Administration from Arkansas State University — a unique background that reflects both leadership and versatility.
Outside of work and school, Scott enjoys golfing and even won a game show on GSN.
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Julia Rhodie is a rising 3L at Santa Clara University School of Law, where she has developed a strong interest in client advocacy and public service. Throughout law school, she has gained valuable hands-on experience through her work with Senior Legal Services and the Katharine & George Alexander Community Law Center Courthouse Clinic, where she assisted individuals navigating legal matters and access to justice challenges. She has also built practical experience through family court and legal service opportunities, further strengthening her commitment to serving clients during difficult and often complex life transitions.
Originally from the Bay Area, Julia attended UCLA, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Political Science. Her experiences in both academic and clinical settings have helped shape her passion for helping others and developing practical legal skills.
Outside of school and work, Julia enjoys vintage shopping, cooking, and spending time at the beach.
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Zoie Reyna is currently a 2L at Santa Clara University School of Law, where she is pursuing both a Sports Law Certificate and a Public Interest Certificate alongside her J.D. She brings a strong commitment to experiential learning, community access to legal services, and mentorship.
At SCU Law, Zoie serves as Community Outreach Co-Chair for the SCU Latinx Law Student Association (LLSA), helping organize an immigration and workers’ rights clinic that provides legal support to community members while giving law students valuable hands-on experience. She is also the Diversity and Inclusion Chair for Street Law, where she helps bring legal education into high school classrooms and encourages students to pursue higher education. In addition, she is involved with the Family Law Board, Sports Law Association, and Environmental Law Society.
Zoie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies with a minor in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Outside of her academic and professional commitments, she enjoys volunteering at animal shelters, staying active at the gym, cooking, hiking, and exploring new food and events around the Bay Area. A dedicated sports fan, she is a frequent supporter of the San Francisco Giants and shares her home with her 4-year-old gray cat, Cleo.
| Alexis Mancera, Law Clerk | |
Alexis Mancera is currently pursuing her Juris Doctor at the University of San Diego School of Law as a rising 3L, where she is pursuing a Children's Rights concentration, serves as the Secretary for the USD Family Law Society, and will be competing on the Alternative Dispute Resolution team this upcoming school-year. She has been recognized for her academic excellence with the Law School Honor Scholarship and the Law Alumni Achievement Scholarship.
Before law school, Alexis earned her B.A. in Sociology, cum laude, from UC Santa Barbara, where she balanced academics with leadership roles in UCSB ROTC and served as Co-Chair of the ROTC Military Ball Committee. Her experience spans legal research, client advocacy, behavioral support, and youth development.
Outside of her legal career, Alexis enjoys weightlifting, cooking, and hiking, and is interested in starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She is also fluent in intermediate Spanish.
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Jessica Guardino is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Sociology at Pepperdine University. Throughout her academic career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, earning Dean's List honors in 2024 and recognition as a Scholar Athlete from 2023–2025.
She brings valuable legal experience from her internships with the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office and Cunneen Law, where she gained exposure to the legal profession and developed a strong foundation in legal research, analysis, and client service.
In addition to her academic and professional accomplishments, Jess has balanced the demands of collegiate athletics while remaining actively engaged in her studies and career development.
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This Pride Month, Hoover Krepelka, LLP proudly celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and the diverse families that make our communities stronger.
Pride Month is an opportunity to recognize the importance of equality, dignity, and belonging. We remain dedicated to fostering an environment where every client feels seen, heard, and supported.
Happy Pride Month from the HK team!
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In observance of Juneteenth, our office closed on Friday, June 19.
On this day, we honor the resilience, achievements, and contributions of the African American community while reflecting on our nation's history and the progress that has been made. We also recognize the importance of continuing to foster understanding, opportunity, and inclusion within our communities.
We encourage everyone to take a moment today to learn about the significance of Juneteenth and join in honoring this important day.
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When a couple faces marital difficulties, legal separation can serve as a flexible alternative to divorce. This option provides many protections afforded by divorce but retains the marital status, offering time and space to work through challenges. Understanding the distinctions between legal separation and divorce is critical to making the best decision for your unique situation.
Read 'Legal Separation vs. Divorce: What's the Difference?' Article
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Dividing assets and deciding on spousal support are often among the most challenging aspects of divorce in California. Understanding whether you qualify for alimony and how courts determine support can ease some uncertainty during this difficult time. This article outlines key factors affecting alimony eligibility, amounts, and duration.
Read 'The Role of Spousal Support in Short- and Long-Term Marriages' Article
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While California mandates a minimum six-month waiting period for divorce finalization, many cases extend well beyond that due to complex financial, custody, or legal issues. Knowing what affects the timeline and how to proactively manage your case can help shorten your divorce journey.
Read 'How Long Does a Divorce Process Take in California?' Article
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We welcomed our newest class of law clerks with a luncheon at LUNA Mexican Kitchen!
Please join us in welcoming Rojiar Zarrinsaray, Seline Ting, Julia Rhodie, Yasmina Vafaie, Zoie Reyna, and Scott Hanson to Hoover Krepelka, LLP. It was great to bring together our attorneys, staff, and law clerks for an afternoon of conversation and connection as they begin their summer with the firm.
We're excited to have them as part of the HK team and look forward to an enriching and impactful summer ahead.
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| Symphony San Jose: Symphonic World Cup | | |
Firm members of HK had a wonderful time attending Symphony San Jose: Symphonic World Cup at the California Theatre.
Inspired by the spirit of the FIFA World Cup coming to our region in 2026, the program took audiences on a musical journey around the globe, featuring works by Carl Nielsen, Alberto Ginastera, and Dmitri Shostakovich. From powerful orchestral storytelling to a stunning harp performance by Katherine Siochi, it was an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and artistic excellence.
As Symphony San Jose concludes another incredible season, we want to thank the musicians, staff, and supporters who make these performances possible. We are proud to support organizations that enrich our community through the arts.
Support Symphony San Jose's upcoming season here
Thank you, Symphony San Jose, for another outstanding season. We are looking forward to the next one!
| | Walk a Mile in Their Shoes by YWCA | | Trivia Night at Nabu Wines | | |
Senior Associate Katherine Moinpour recently joined her ProVisors Westlake 5 group for a trivia night at Nabu Wines in Westlake Village.
After a close competition that came down to the final round, her team narrowly missed the top spot by just one point, but it was a fun evening spent connecting, catching up, and enjoying time with fellow professionals outside of work.
Thank you to ProVisors Westlake 5 and Nabu Wines for hosting a great night!
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| Christmas in the Park's STEAM Program | |
This month, we are proud to spotlight the inspiring work of Christmas in the Park and its newly launched "Lighting the Future" campaign, an initiative designed to invest in the next generation of leaders right here in San Jose.
For more than 45 years, Christmas in the Park has brought our community together by providing a beloved holiday tradition that welcomes over one million visitors each season at no cost. Now, the organization is expanding its impact beyond the holiday season through a groundbreaking 10-year STEAM workforce pipeline for local underserved youth.
Through the "Lighting the Future" campaign, Christmas in the Park will provide paid high school internships, full STEAM scholarships to San Jose State University, two-year post-graduate fellowships, and long-term mentorship opportunities designed to support students throughout their educational and professional journeys.
By creating pathways to education, career development, and mentorship, this initiative is helping build a stronger future for both local students and the San Jose community as a whole.
Hoover Krepelka, LLP is honored to support organizations that invest in our community and create opportunities for future generations. We encourage others to learn more about this impactful program and consider supporting its mission.
Thank you to Christmas in the Park for your continued commitment to bringing our community together and helping local youth build bright futures.
Learn more about Christmas in the Park’s Lighting the Future campaign
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We look forward to sharing our firm updates every month.
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